Health Library

Pulmonary Edema

Your healthcare provider has told you that you have pulmonary edema. Read on to learn more about pulmonary edema and how it can be treated.

What Is Pulmonary Edema?

Pulmonary edema occurs when the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs fill with fluid. The fluid buildup makes it hard for the lungs to do their job, including getting oxygen from the air you breathe. This can make it difficult to breathe. The most common cause of pulmonary edema is heart failure. When the heart doesn’t work properly, it can cause pressure to rise in the veins (blood vessels) of the lungs. As pressure builds, leaks out of the congested veins and fills the alveoli. The extra fluid prevents oxygen from moving through the lungs properly. But heart failure isn’t the only cause of pulmonary edema. Damage to the lungs or kidney failure can also cause fluid to fill the lungs. And in some cases, living or exercising at high altitudes can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs.

How Is Pulmonary Edema Diagnosed?

Your health care provider examines you and asks about your health history. You may also have 1 or more of the following:

Blood tests to take samples of blood.

Imaging tests to take detailed pictures of inside the body. These may include a chest X-ray and ultrasound.

Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) to test how well the heart is functioning.

How Is Pulmonary Edema Treated?

Treatment usually depends on what’s causing the edema. For instance, if it’s due to heart failure, treating the heart condition will treat the edema. Treatment can also ease symptoms. Therapy often includes:

Oxygen. This may be given through a mask that goes over the nose. It may be given through a small tube that sits under the nose. Or it may be given through a tube that’s placed into the windpipe (trachea). A ventilator—often called a breathing machine—may also be used.

Medications. These may include diuretics (“water pills”) to help relieve the body of extra fluid. The fluid passes out of the body as urine. Medications to treat the heart may also be given. These can help improve how the heart functions, which helps reduce fluid buildup in the lungs.

What Are the Long-term Concerns?

If treated right away, pulmonary edema can be improved. It may even be cured. But, in some cases, ongoing treatment is needed to help control the problem. This may require having procedures or taking medications for months or years. In some cases, long-term use of oxygen or breathing equipment is needed. This can lead to complications such as damage to lung tissue. Your healthcare provider can tell you more if needed.

When to Call the Health Care Provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following: